Mama Ngina Waterfront Project to be handed over by August 15

The Mama Ngina Waterfront Project which was launched by President Kenyatta on January 7, will now be handed over to the government by August 15 says Tourism Cabinet Secretary Najib Balala.

The transformation of Mama Ngina Drive into a modern public facility which cost Ksh 460 million is part of ongoing efforts by the ministry of tourism to restore the glory of Mombasa as a leading tourist destination in the region.

Mombasa County is set to host this year’s Mashujaa Day celebrations on October 20, joining four counties that have so far hosted national celebrations traditionally held in the capital, Nairobi.

Speaking after touring the ground to assess its suitability to host the national celebrations, Balala confirmed the grounds will be used for this year’s Mashujaa Day celebrations.

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He said the contractor gave them an assurance that the project will be ready August 15, and will be handed over to the National Celebrations Steering Committee in preparations for Mashujaa Day fete.

The project, which sits on a 26-acre parcel of land facing the Likoni crossing channel, was supposed to have been completed by May 31.

During the commissioning of the project, President Uhuru Kenyatta had given the contractor, Suhufi Agencies Limited, a 150-day deadline to complete the whole project.

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However, due to changes in designs, it had to be delayed.

The National Celebrations Steering Committeewhich is led by Interior Principal Secretary Karanja Kibicho says the Mama Ngina Waterfront Park would be an integrated urban destination for culture, festivals, shopping, dining and relaxation.

The Kibicho-led committee toured the ground only two days after President Uhuru Kenyatta personally went to the ground to assess its progress.

According to BalalaKenya Power Company is now working on the street lights, whereas the contractor is finishing on the ablution blocks, the Presidential Dias and the cultural centre and he is optimistic that the project will be completed within the next 85 days.

Notable features of the initial designs of the project are; the state-of-the-art amphitheatre, the Kilindini Cultural Centre, the Pigeon Towers, the traders’ kiosk, the leisure walk-ways, the ablution blocks and the two main gates leading to the park.